News & Updates

BRA Board Moves Projects Forward at May 15 Meeting

May 16, 2014

The Boston Redevelopment Authority Board approved a number of projects throughout Boston last night.

The nine approved development projects represent over $443.9 million of investment in the City and over 1.16 million square feet of development. When these projects break ground, they will put over 1,300 tradespeople to work.

Last night the BRA approved the development of Parcel K in the South Boston Waterfront. The project site, located in the heart of Boston’s Innovation District, will redevelop surface parking lots into a 480,243 square foot, $230 million mixed-use development.

The completed project will house 304 housing units, including microunits and 40 affordable units; an approximately 247 room hotel; 11,592 square feet of incubator office space, and 17,748 square feet dedicated to a mix of restaurant and retail spaces. A three-floor, below-grade garage will supply 640 parking spaces. Public benefits include flex office space in line with Boston’s Innovation District initiative, new open spaces, and an improved pedestrian environment. Additionally, the developer has committed $200,000 for community-directed purposes, to be disbursed by the BRA.

The project developer is Conroy Development, and the project architect is Arrowstreet.

Last night the BRA approved the redevelopment of 374-398 Bunker Hill Street (The Charlestown Battalion Armory) in Charlestown. The approved project will renovate a 1907 armory building which has been vacant since 2010.

The project will create 42 condominium units and 84 parking spaces within the existing building envelope. Two additional parking spaces will be created outside the building, and 42 bicycle parking spaces will be created on-site. Public benefits include six affordable housing units, a new passive open space, exhibits about the building’s military history housed in the atrium, and a contribution of $50,000 towards the upkeep of Charlestown Firefighters Memorial Park along Bunker Hill Street.

The developer for the project is C-Town Ventures, LLC and the project architect is Neshamkin French Architects, Inc. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2014 and to be completed by the summer of 2015.

The BRA Board approved the development of 1467 Tremont Street in Mission Hill last night. The approved project will assemble several vacant parcels and redevelop them into a four story, transit-oriented commercial and residential building.

Last night the BRA Board approved the development of 40 Malvern Street in Allston near Packard’s Corner. The approved project will redevelop a surface parking lot and single family home into a six-story residential building.

The development includes 48 residential rental units, including 7 affordable units. Forty-four surface parking spaces as well as bicycle racks will be provided on-site. The project location offers easy access to MBTA Green Line traines, Commuter Rail Service, and buses.

HSH Realty LImited Partnership is the developer for the project, and Developmental Resources is the architect. Construction is expected to begin in late 2014 or early 2015.

Mixed-Use Project Near Union Square Brings Housing and New Commercial Space to Allston

Total Project Cost: $7 million
Total SF: 49,810
Construction Jobs: 21

The BRA Board approved the development of 440-450 Cambridge Street near Union Square in Allston last night. The project will redevelop a 16,000 square foot parcel into a four-story mixed residential and commercial building.

The new development will include 40 residential units, a 1,631 commercial space fronting on Cambridge street, 57 parking spaces, and 40 bicycle parking spaces. Public benefits include the creation of five affordable housing units and a new green space.

The Arcand Family/Allston LLC is the project developer, and Neshamkin French Architects, Inc. is the architect. Construction is expected to begin in November of 2014 with an estimated 2016 completion date.

South Boston Mixed-Use Development Creates Housing Near Andrew Square

The BRA Board approved the development of 488 Dorchester Avenue near Andrew Square in South Boston. The project will redevelop a surface parking lot and two single-story warehouse buildings into a four-story, mixed-use building.

The completed project will include 33 residential condominium units, four of which will be affordable; 2,091 square feet of ground floor commercial/retail space; 33 garage parking spaces; and bicycle parking. Residents will have close access to the Andrew MBTA Red Line station and several MBTA bus routes.

R&B Investments, LLC is the project developer. Construction is estimated to begin in the third quarter of 2014.

Lucky Strike Project Brings New Housing, Retail Space to Dorchester

The BRA Board approved the development of 281-289 Adams Street in Dorchester near the Fields Corner MBTA Red Line Station. The project will replace the former Lucky Strike Bowling Alley with a new, mixed residential and commercial building.

The completed project will include 22 residential units, three of which will be affordable; four ground floor commercial spaces; and 14 off-street parking spaces.

Lucky Strike, LLC is the project developer and Davis Square Architects is the architect. Construction is planned to begin in August of 2014 and to be completed within one year.

Boston College Creates Museum and Renovated Conference Space in Brighton

The completed project will renovate a 23,000 square foot building to house conference and meeting facilities and the McMullen Museum, which will be relocated from its current location at Devin Hall. The project also includes a 7,100 square foot addition to the existing building.

Second Amendment to Pier 4 Project Creates Office Space in South Boston Waterfront Development Project

The BRA Board approved a Second Amendment to Planned Development Area (PDA) No. 64, located at Pier 4 in the South Boston Waterfront. The Second Amendment changes the use of a planned hotel and residential building to office.

The BRA Board approved the original PDA in 2005, and approved the First Amendment in 2012. The amended building represents 378,755 square feet of new development. Public benefits in the completed PDA will include a waterfront park, a waterfront plaza, a new segment of the Harborwalk, a 20,000 foot civic space, and cash contributions to support water transportation options.

The Pier 4 development team includes New England Development, LLC with Elkus Manfredi as the project architect.